A recent study indicates that urban green spaces played a significant role in protecting the mental health of Canadians during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic. The research, published in the peer-reviewed journal PLOS One, found that individuals living in greener neighborhoods were less likely to experience depression as the pandemic unfolded, even as overall depression rates surged.

The study highlights that the benefits of green spaces were particularly pronounced for individuals who were not already experiencing depression. Additionally, those with mobility challenges or lower incomes also benefited from access to green areas, but again, this was only true for those who were not previously depressed.

According to the study, "The protective effects during the pandemic could be because green spaces act as a refuge from financial and other stressors and the restorative and therapeutic effects of accessing nature." This research is believed to be the first to examine changes in mental health before and after the pandemic in relation to residential greenery.

Urban green spaces have been shown to reduce the risk of chronic diseases and provide environmental benefits, such as lowering air pollution and mitigating extreme heat. Previous studies have also linked greenery in urban settings to lower rates of depression and loneliness, helping to bridge mental health disparities across different socio-economic groups.

Lead author Paul Villeneuve, a professor at Carleton University, emphasized the importance of integrating green spaces into urban planning and mental health policies. He stated, "This would tell you that there’s importance in terms of incorporating green spaces in terms of the design of cities, neighborhoods."

The study analyzed data from over 13,000 participants aged 50 and older who are part of the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging. It revealed that the prevalence of depression nearly doubled among participants, rising from about 11% before the pandemic to 22% in surveys conducted between May and December 2020.

Researchers assessed the amount of green space within a 500-meter radius of participants' homes using their postal codes. They found that individuals living in the greenest areas were approximately 19% less likely to experience depression compared to those in the least green areas. The study also noted that individuals with mobility issues experienced noticeable benefits from nearby green spaces.

The researchers speculated that residential and immediate green spaces were crucial during a time when many public parks and spaces were inaccessible or restricted. However, the vegetation index used in the study did not differentiate between types of greenery or their locations, such as parks versus cemeteries.

Villeneuve pointed out that future research could explore whether specific types of green spaces, like parks or backyards, offer distinct benefits. He also acknowledged that the study focused solely on green space around participants' homes, potentially overlooking other areas they may have visited for relief during the pandemic. He concluded that examining nearby green spaces is particularly important, given that people likely stayed closer to home during this time.